European civilizations must respect cultural heritage of the nations having ancient Christian history, says the message sent by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II to the participants of Yerevan-hosted conference on religious freedom.

His Holiness Karekin II addressed the participants of “Freedom of religion in today’s world: challenges and guarantees” held within the framework of Armenia’s chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

The message said today’s world often distorts criteria of freedom and equality, thereby jeopardizing the true value of intercultural dialogue and a proper understanding of freedom of religion, the main goal of which is to promote tolerance, peace and prosperity around the world.

“The Armenian people and the Armenian Church for centuries have struggled to maintain its unique cultural and spiritual heritage, and have a rich historical experience of respect and tolerance for religious diversity. The Armenian Church attaches great importance to interfaith and interchurch dialogue, and the evidence thereof is active participation of Armenia in the ecumenical movement,” the message reads.